Most busy working mothers will readily admit to having been driven up the wall at some stage ... and not having particularly enjoyed the experience. But Diane Westaway absolutely loves going up walls and makes sure it happens several times a week! "It's such fun and if you can incorporate the kids, you'll love it!" she smiles, happily sharing the joy she's found through the sport of indoor rock climbing.
"I started indoor rock climbing when my youngest was six months old and I was desperate to get out of the home and do something for me. My biggest indulgence was to book a nanny once a week and go climbing."
Sydneysider Diane, 45, and her husband Simon have three children, aged four to 14. Diane works full-time as a radio producer. And in between her family and work commitments, Diane says the time she has to herself while tackling this physically and mentally challenging sport is invaluable.
"I'm very goal-oriented and I love that with rock climbing you either get to the top or you don't," she explains. "You need to think about exactly where you're going to put your body and try to plan the whole route before you start.
"I also do 'bouldering', which is when you go under underhangs without a harness. This teaches really good climbing technique. It helps that there are big soft mats underneath!"
Diane has always been fit. As a child she did gymnastics and at one stage was a physical education teacher. So she loves being active and thoroughly recommends indoor rock climbing.
"Climbing develops flexibility and strength, particularly in your upper body," she says. "It also requires an element of co-ordination. It's a technical sport, so it's not just about being strong, it's actually quite graceful, like ballet on a wall!
"And the people you meet at climbing gyms are generally very friendly and offer hints and suggestions, so it's very easy to interact. It also has the added advantage that you can organise to get out into the bush and try some real rock climbing, [which is] an extra motivator."
Diane now goes to the Climb Fit gym at St Leonards two or three times a week. And at least once she'll take her children with her. "They all climb, even the little one. He has his own harness and gets to the top of walls.
"And my 14-year-old son is now into it as well, so when he's around he'll come too. It's hard to find things a mum and a teenage son can do together. I can't play soccer or basketball with him because he's too fast, but I can climb with him. It's a great thing that we all enjoy."
More info:
Search the Internet or Yellow Pages to find an indoor climbing centre near you.
